BRF Views on Peace and Peacemaking

Editorial
January/February, 1990
Volume 25, Number 1

We also feature in this issue of WITNESS, the essence of a message given at an Insight Session at Annual Conference in 1988. It summarizes BRF’s views regarding peace and peacemaking. Many in the peace movements of today imply that global problems can only be solved politically and internationally, and that the church should seek to bring peace and harmony among nations through political influence. As the article says, “The human heart, when untouched by God’s grace, is essentially at war with God-and no amount of summits, talks, negotiations, teachings, and seminars will result in lasting peace. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can address the real need of the human heart.” We believe you will be benefited by reading the material in this first issue of the 25th year of our distributing the BRF WITNESS.

–H. S. M.

The Future Direction

of the BRF Peace Movement

A concern for peace has always been one of the core teachings of the historic Brethren faith. Consequently, the Brethren Revival Fellowship has an interest in the issues of peace. However at the outset of this discussion, one must realize that the BRF is not primarily concerned with the promotion of peace. From the cover of the BRF WITNESS one learns that the primary purpose of our organization is “proclaiming and preserving Biblical values for living today.” The values we promote are those historically held by the Brethren, including the ideal of peace, but not primarily peace.

Rather than making peace the major issue, BRF is principally committed to the promoting of personal salvation from sin. We understand sin to be the root cause of the absence of peace in our lives, communities, and world. It is our conviction that the violence, hostility, and brokenness which exist in the world today are the natural and expected results of unconverted human hearts (see James 4:1-6). And it is our conviction that since the human heart, when untouched by God’s grace, is essentially at war with God- no amount of summits, talks, negotiations, teaching, seminars, etc. will result in lasting peace. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can address the real need of the human heart.

We applaud, of course, any effort which results in a more peaceful life for the whole human family. However we fear that if such efforts are not coupled with an attempt to deal with a person’s real problem–alienation from God–then the results are at best partial and temporal. This is why I say the Brethren Revival Fellowship is not primarily concerned with the promotion of peace. We are committed to calling Christians to live by the standards of the Sermon on the Mount (as well as other New Testament teachings which call us to peacemaking). For us, peacemaking is an issue of discipleship. Some people fear that the BRF, with its concern for personal salvation, stops with the issue of baptism. I do not think we do; but the BRF does begin with baptism (as it represents conversion to Christ). Our concern is that some peace movements do not begin at the point of calling individuals to enter into a personal relationship with Christ. Because, for us, peace is a principle of discipleship, we expect peace to develop wherever Jesus reigns supreme, whether that is within a person’s heart, between two neighbors, between persons in the church, or between two nations. In essence, this is what the Pastoral Letter concerning the nuclear arms race issued by the Bishops of the Catholic Church says. That letter basically states that the world will never know lasting peace until the Prince of Peace reigns supreme in the hearts of men and women.

What then is the future direction of the peace concerns of the Brethren Revival Fellowship? Although I cannot speak for everyone who would identify with our organization, I can say that from our perspective we will persist in the following activities:

1) We will continue to call upon people to commit themselves to Jesus and to follow Him in radical discipleship.

2) We will continue to expect the members of our churches to reject military service, litigation for purposes of revenge or personal gain, violence in family and personal life-as well as abortion, divorce, and other non-Christian means of problem solving. (Some congregations who would consider themselves within the BRF camp still make military participation a test of membership).

3) We denounce a blind nationalism. BRF-oriented churches generally do not have flags in the sanctuary (as would some of the more fundamentalist congregations). This does not mean that we do not appreciate the freedom and privileges which come with our citizenship, but rather, the absence of flags represents an awareness that we could have just as easily been born in another country of the world, and that our allegiance is not paid to any world leader.

4) BRF-related churches regularly include nonresistance/ peace as a part of their church membership classes. We will continue to include these themes in our Bible Institutes, WITNESS articles, and BRF-sponsored workshops.

5) We will continue to promote the nonresistant view of pacifism, which is built (among other things) upon the two-kingdom concept taught in Scripture. The two-kingdom view simply postulates that God has issued to the Christian church an ethic different from the one by which the non-Christian world is expected to live.

6) We will likely remain active in the BVS program, supporting the call to voluntarily give of ourselves to peaceful and constructive enterprises.

7) We intend to more vigorously promote mission work with world evangelization as its primary goal.

In short, our peace tactic is a simple one – preach the Gospel of God’s grace – keeping in mind the need of every human being to be born anew, and then to train these disciples to live by the standards of the New Testament and to follow in the path of nonresistant love for others. These two ideals- conversion and discipleship- lie at the heart of the Biblical message. Paul says it well: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God … if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live at peace with all” (Romans 5:1 and 12:18).


The above message was condensed from the presentation made at the Thursday night ON EARTH PEACE ASSOCIATION Insight Session during the week of Annual Conference at St. Louis, MO in 1988.

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THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.